I’d send it to John Kallas, I hear he does the most historically accurate refinishing, even does Fullerplast.
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NBD - 1969 Fender Jazz! (Should I refinish?)
- Thread starter imdkoz
- Start date
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- Tags
- #fenderjazz #jazzbass
There should be an indication somewhere of the original finish. It may only be seen under magnification. Once you determine that, I would refinish to that color. I'd guess 3 tone sunburst since the majority of them were. Some relicing to match the neck would be in order. I would not refinish the neck. Unless you bought this bass very cheap, it may not be worth the expense of a re-finish unless you can do it yourself. Also, put a note in the neck pocket indicating that the body was refinished for future owners. Another alternative would be to find an original period correct body only with original finish. I see them from time to time on Ebay and Reverb. This would be my first choice if it were mine.
If it were mine I'd send it to Marty Bell to be shot in aged, checked Olympic white nitro.
That would be my choice also. Not mine, but something like this might be just what the DR. ordered.
The "7" indicates a Jazz bass, not the day built. P Bass have a "5".
YUK NO! This bass is comprised of 3 very different pieces of plain-ish alder. It will look like a fancy stockade fence! Some basses look gorgeous in natural / 3TSB finish. Some don't. IMO this one wouldn't and it certainly wouldn't look period correct.
If there is no indication of the original color in the neck pocket, look inside the holes in the pocket for the neck mounting screws. Also, look inside the holes for the strap buttons. Use a strong light.
I'm pretty sure that they were using poly by '69. At least they did on mine which I've had for more than 40 years and is completely original other than a Badass II bridge.
That aside, as others have affirmed, the economic damage has already been incurred. No further harm in a professional refinish job, other than the cost.
That aside, as others have affirmed, the economic damage has already been incurred. No further harm in a professional refinish job, other than the cost.
would you plane it down a hair to restore the flatness to the horn? if not i would almost just leave it. it has that hand worn look of an old tool. i have a precision in just the same shape but instead of the horns being rounded, the ‘deck’ is all warbly from hand sanding. you can only really tell by sighting along from the side but its enough that it bugs me into considering a refin
No way go for natural boring as F sherwood green matching headstock or lake placid blue also match headstock would look ace but obviously I’m gunna say thatThat would be my choice also. Not mine, but something like this might be just what the DR. ordered.
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This exactly!That would be my choice also. Not mine, but something like this might be just what the DR. ordered.
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I say no to refinishing. Looks great as is. That said, if you do refinish, maybe something like a blonde transparent finish. Let that woodgrain shine!
